The annual Benue Book and Arts Festival [BBAAF] had its debut United Kingdom convergence in Nottingham on Saturday, 25th January 2025, bringing several African creatives from across the United Kingdom. The landmark event was held at the Nottingham Central Library, turning out to be a close-knit celebration of literature, culture, and artistic expression.
BBAAF is a platform dedicated to celebrating Africa’s rich heritage, especially that of Nigeria, and fostering cultural dialogue between the global diaspora and their homeland. Organised by SEVHAGE Arts + Publishers and SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative, the festival is committed to promoting local creativity and driving social impact across continents. With plans to hold quarterly events in Nottingham to go alongside the annual week-long hybrid summit in Makurdi, Nigeria, BBAAF is poised to establish itself as a significant force in literary and artistic discourse.
The Benue Book & Arts Festival (BBAAF), initiated in 2015 as the SEVHAGE Festival and rebranded in 2019, has grown into one of Nigeria’s premier cultural events. BBAAF brings together a diverse mix of writers, thinkers, artists, musicians, and development practitioners for meaningful interactions, including workshops, exhibitions, performances, and discussions. Anchored in the vision of “changing the narrative for sustainable development and positive enhancement,” the festival is a platform for exploring ideas, showcasing talents, and driving cultural and social transformation. It traditionally explores pressing societal issues through the lens of creativity and promotes the cultural richness of Benue State and Middle Belt Nigeria, Nigeria, Africa and diasporas in Europe. Importantly, BBAAF fosters intergenerational dialogue, inclusivity, and unity, celebrating the diversity and depth of artistic and cultural expression while addressing contemporary challenges.
BBAAF keynote speakers have included high-ranking scholars and cultural icons including Chuma Nwokolo and Professor Moses Tsenongu; Professors Niyi Osundare and Mbaiver Nyitse (2021); as well as Professors Hyginus Ekwuazi, Dul Johnson and Sule Emmanuel Egya (2022). Festival guests have included notable figures, celebrated writers, spoken word artists, and development practitioners such as H.E. Dr Eunice Ortom, Bash Amuneni, Eric Ngalle, T. J. Benson, Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto, Amara Chimeka, and Anselm Sesugh Ngutsav, as well as commissioners, officials, and cultural leaders from across Nigeria. Our 2025 keynote speaker is the celebrated academic, diplomat, and culture advocate, Prof Iyorwuese Harry Hagher.
The inaugural UK event was held in partnership with Nottingham City Libraries, Goethe-Institut, the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit), Small World Big Businesses, Authorpedia, and several other literary and cultural organisations. The festival featured an array of activities, including poetry readings, spoken word performances, and a thought-provoking panel discussion on the role of writers in shaping national development in Nigeria.
The panel discussion was led by award-winning writer and Managing Editor of JAY Lit, Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim, alongside literary scholar Aisha Umar (also known as Aisha Abdulkareem). Their insights sparked conversations about migration, living in the UK, creating social spaces for growth, and the influence of arts on societal transformation. Among the notable writers who graced the event with performances and readings were Jerry Chiemeke, Aishat Adesanya, Bash Amuneni, Amaka Felly Obioji, and Andrew Patience.
As a festival with deep roots in African culture, the event welcomed the participation of the Mzough U Tiv United Kingdom (MUTUK), the primary Tiv community organisation in the UK. Representing MUTUK was Dr Kurannen Baaki, the organisation’s Assistant General Secretary, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the MUTUK President and the entire community. Dr Baaki praised BBAAF’s vision, affirming MUTUK’s support for the initiative as it aligns with the organisation’s objectives of preserving and promoting Tiv heritage. As a writer himself, Dr Baaki also took the stage to read from his short story “Cemetery Road”, further enriching the literary experience of the festival.
Speaking about the significance of the event, SEVHAGE founder and BBAAF organiser, Su’ur E. Su’eddie Vershima Agema, underscored the importance of creating a literary community for Nigerian writers in the UK. He stated that the festival is an opportunity to build a network where Nigerian writers and literature enthusiasts can come together, perform, and foster a sense of community. Many in the diaspora often lose touch with their creative roots amidst other responsibilities, but having a dedicated platform like this ensures they stay connected to their artistic passions. He emphasised that this initiative is about family, about sharing work with a larger audience, and keeping the literary spirit alive.
Following its successful UK debut, BBAAF will continue its 2025 programming with upcoming events in Makurdi and Abuja. The next major festival instalment will be a physical event at Empire Suites, Makurdi, scheduled for 21st and 22nd February 2025, featuring a keynote address by esteemed scholar, cultural icon, former Ambassador, and Minister, H.E. Prof Iyorwuese Hagher. Additionally, an event is slated to take place in Abuja on 26th February 2025.
The Nottingham event which was moderated by Chimdinma Onwukwe Adimekwe, saw an impressive lineup of literary figures who contributed through readings and performances. Some of the participating creatives included Su’ur E. Su’eddie Vershima Agema, Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim, Agatha Agema, MaryAnn Ifeanacho, Bash Amuneni, Patience Andrew, Olalekan Ayodele, Sulaimon Ajibola Sabitu, Ogugua Ajayi, Sodiq Alabi, Dara Ajayi, Aishat Adesanya, Emmanuel Sanusi, Michael Olobadola, Taiwo Michael Oloyede, Damilola Olaniyi, Amaka Obioji, Michelle Nnayelugo, Jerry Chiemeke, Abiodun Abdul, Clare Ejiofor, Iyanu Fatoba, Gloria Umoru, Uche Ugwu, Mono Esan, Duoluji Modupe, Jennifer Aduro, Nathaniel Aduro, and Namse Udosen.
The resounding success of this event marks the beginning of a flourishing literary exchange in Nottingham, and by extension, the United Kingdom, creating a group of creatives who will find time off their normal day jobs to come together and bask in the glory of their creativity to forge the path for greater growth through the arts. It reinforces BBAAF’s role as a catalyst for literary engagement within the diaspora and beyond. As the festival continues to grow, it promises to be an avenue for literary excellence, cultural dialogue, and creative expression on both local and global scales. There is also a growing anticipation for future editions, with hopes of expanding the scope of participation to include more creatives and partners across the UK and beyond. The festival’s organisers believe that fostering these literary interactions will not only strengthen the creative industry but also contribute to the broader cultural and social fabric of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
For more details on the Benue Book and Arts Festival, visit their website on http://bbaaf.com or follow them on social media as @bbaaf24. You can also send a message to +2347030285995.
